The independent film community is mourning the loss of Hakeem Sharif, an American actor, model, entrepreneur and filmmaker who reportedly died on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Originally from New York and based in Cleveland, Ohio, Sharif built a career in independent cinema, appearing in films and streaming productions, including projects available on Tubi. The news of Hakeem Sharif’s death prompted emotional tributes from actors, filmmakers and friends who remembered his talent, kindness and dedication to the entertainment industry. Among those expressing their grief were Alphonso Settles and Brittany Monae, who recalled their personal and professional connections with him. While his passing has been widely mourned online, an independently confirmed medical cause of death has not been publicly established.
Hakeem Sharif, an American actor, model and independent filmmaker associated with Cleveland, Ohio, reportedly died on October 13, 2026. Originally from New York, he appeared in independent films and streaming projects, including Boarding House, Obsession and The Caretaker. Friends and colleagues have shared tributes confirming their grief. His age and medical cause of death have not been reliably established.

Hakeem Sharif Death: What Happened?
News of Hakeem Sharif’s passing emerged on October 13, 2026, as members of the independent entertainment community began sharing tributes on social media.
Several people who had worked with Sharif or knew him personally expressed shock and sadness.
Actor Alphonso Settles remembered working alongside him on the production Won’t He Do It.
Others reflected on Sharif’s encouragement, friendships and contributions to filmmaking.
Although some online reports have suggested that Sharif suffered a heart attack, that claim has not been independently confirmed through a family statement or medical information.
The circumstances surrounding his death have therefore not been established in the material available.
His passing represents a loss for the colleagues and friends who knew him through independent film productions and personal relationships.
Hakeem Sharif Obituary: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Hakeem Sharif |
| Profession | Actor, model, entrepreneur and independent filmmaker |
| Originally from | New York, United States |
| Based in | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Date of death | October 13, 2026 |
| Age | Not confirmed |
| Cause of death | Not publicly established |
| Industry | Independent film and streaming entertainment |
| Associated production company | Silver Line Entertainment |
| Notable films | I Want Him to Want Me, The Caretaker, She Without Sin, Boarding House, Obsession |
| Television and streaming series | The Ugly Truth, Trapped, Heights Girl |
| Funeral arrangements | Not provided |
Who Was Hakeem Sharif?
Hakeem Sharif was an American actor, model and independent filmmaker whose work connected him with filmmakers and performers across the entertainment industry.
Originally from New York, he later became associated with Cleveland, Ohio.
Sharif developed a presence in independent cinema, working on film productions and streaming projects.
He was described in tributes as a multi-award-winning actor and entrepreneur.
His acting career included dramatic roles in feature films and series, several of which reached audiences through streaming platforms such as Tubi.
Sharif also worked with independent production teams, including projects associated with Silver Line Entertainment.
Beyond his professional achievements, friends remembered him as a supportive person who encouraged others and maintained meaningful relationships with fellow performers.
Hakeem Sharif Movies and Acting Career
Hakeem Sharif appeared in several independent film productions released between 2023 and 2026.
His reported filmography included:
| Movie or Series | Year |
|---|---|
| I Want Him to Want Me | 2026 |
| The Caretaker | 2026 |
| She Without Sin | 2025 |
| Boarding House | 2024 |
| The Closest Ones | 2023 |
| Obsession | 2023 |
| The Ugly Truth | Year not provided |
| Trapped | Year not provided |
| Heights Girl | Year not provided |
These productions reflected his involvement in the growing independent film industry.
His work extended across multiple projects, allowing him to collaborate with actors, directors and production teams.
Sharif was also remembered for his participation in Won’t He Do It, a production mentioned by fellow actor Alphonso Settles in a tribute following his death.
Hakeem Sharif and Tubi Films
Sharif was known to audiences who followed independent films distributed through streaming services, including Tubi.
The platform has provided a distribution outlet for numerous independently produced movies and series.
Sharif’s involvement in this area of entertainment helped introduce his work to viewers beyond traditional theatrical audiences.
His career was not limited to acting alone.
He was also identified as a model, entrepreneur and filmmaker, reflecting his broader interests in creative production.
Specific details about his awards and individual production credits have not been included in the supplied information.
Alphonso Settles Pays Tribute to Hakeem Sharif
Actor Alphonso Settles was among those who publicly mourned Sharif’s passing.
In a Facebook post, Settles recalled learning the sad news and reflected on their time working together.
He wrote:
“I had the opportunity to work with him on set of ‘Won’t He Do It'”
Settles described Sharif as a talented and good-hearted person.
He also acknowledged that he did not know the details surrounding his death.
The tribute reflected the respect Sharif had earned among people who worked alongside him.
It also demonstrated the personal connections he developed during his acting career.
Brittany Monae Remembers Hakeem Sharif
Brittany Monae shared an emotional tribute expressing disbelief at Sharif’s passing.
Her message focused on the friendship they shared and the conversations that remained meaningful to her.
She recalled their late-night discussions, encouraging words and the affection he expressed toward his friends.
Brittany wrote:
“I WILL HOLD ON TOO ALL OUR DEEP LATE NIGHT CONVOS”
She also remembered that Sharif regularly ended their conversations by telling her he loved her.
Her tribute highlighted a personal side of the actor that went beyond his work on screen.
For those who knew him closely, his encouragement and friendship were an important part of his legacy.
Friends Remember Hakeem Sharif’s Impact on Film
Other tributes reflected the emotional impact of Sharif’s death on the people around him.
In a message shared online, Heaven Beyoncé remembered Sharif as a brother and praised his contribution to the film industry.
The tribute referred to conversations about personal grief, including the shared experience of losing their mothers.
The writer also expressed appreciation for Sharif’s achievements and the influence he had on others.
These recollections offered insight into the friendships he maintained within his creative community.
They should not, however, be interpreted as evidence about the medical circumstances of his death.
Bobby M. Peoples Sr. and Others Mourn Sharif
Filmmaker Bobby M. Peoples Sr. also shared a public message addressing Sharif’s family, loved ones and friends.
He described the loss as a tremendous blow to the wider community.
Additional tributes circulated among people connected to independent filmmaking, reflecting Sharif’s professional relationships and personal friendships.
The messages shared a common theme: Sharif was remembered not only for his screen performances but also for the way he treated and supported others.
What Was Hakeem Sharif’s Cause of Death?
The cause of Hakeem Sharif’s death has not been independently confirmed in the information provided.
One online report described his passing as possibly connected to a heart attack.
However, that claim has not been supported by an identified family announcement or official medical determination.
Friends who publicly mourned Sharif also did not establish a cause.
Alphonso Settles specifically indicated that he did not know the circumstances.
For that reason, reporting a heart attack as the confirmed cause of death would be premature.
Any reliable update should be based on information released by Sharif’s family or another authoritative source.
Hakeem Sharif Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Hakeem Sharif have not been provided.
There is no confirmed information in the supplied material regarding a visitation, celebration of life or burial service.
Friends and colleagues have continued to remember him through public tributes.
Further memorial details, if announced, should be attributed to his family or those authorised to share them.
FAQs
Who was Hakeem Sharif?
Hakeem Sharif was an American actor, model, entrepreneur and independent filmmaker originally from New York and based in Cleveland, Ohio. He appeared in independent movies and streaming productions, including Boarding House, Obsession, She Without Sin and The Caretaker.
When did Hakeem Sharif die?
Hakeem Sharif reportedly died on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. News of his passing prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers and friends, including Alphonso Settles and Brittany Monae.
What was Hakeem Sharif’s cause of death?
His medical cause of death has not been publicly established in the information supplied. Although a heart attack has been mentioned in an online report, that explanation remains unverified.
Conclusion
The reported passing of Hakeem Sharif on October 13, 2026, has left friends, colleagues and members of the independent film community mourning a talented performer and valued friend. From his acting roles in streaming productions to his work as a model, entrepreneur and filmmaker, Sharif built relationships across the entertainment industry. Tributes from Alphonso Settles, Brittany Monae and others have highlighted his kindness, encouragement and professional contributions. While the circumstances of his death remain unclear, the memories shared by those who knew him reflect the lasting impact he made through his work and friendships. Our condolences go out to his family, loved ones and everyone affected by his passing.